Interview: Bosnian youth share their intercultural experience with HeARTmony project
Days of cultural celebration, creativity, and collaboration in Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina, gathered a group of 41 young people embarked on an immersive journey through rhythms and melodies, sharing their cultural backgrounds through art. Coming from Afghanistan, Morocco and Syria as migrants and refugees, welcomed by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), the participants found a way to convey common human experiences in the arts. The dynamic dance and singing workshops bridged cultural divides and changed perceptions – creating a common group to celebrate shared humanity. Amina Hodžić and Ajdin Muftić, two youth from Bosnia participated in the workshop and share their experience with us.
JRS: “Amina, as a trainer for this workshop, how has your previous experience with the GenRosso members in Bihać and Sarajevo influenced the way you approached teaching the participants?”
Amina: “The time I spent with GenRosso was incredibly enriching. Their passion for music and the arts really resonated with me, and it was something I aimed to pass on to the workshop participants. Seeing the way music can transcend language and cultural barriers inspired me to foster the same environment here. The energy in Bihać and Sarajevo was electric, and I wanted to bring that same vibrancy and enthusiasm to our sessions.”
JRS: “And what does it mean to you to see such a high turnout of locals and refugees for this workshop?”
Amina: “It’s deeply gratifying. It shows that there’s a genuine desire for connection and understanding across different cultures within our community. Music and dance are universal languages that can unite us. I feel privileged to be a part of something that not only teaches.
JRS: “Amina, beyond the workshop itself, can you share how your experiences with GenRosso have influenced your private life’?”
Amina: “Absolutely. The experience has been transformative not just for me, but for my whole family. You know, initially, there was a certain apprehension in my household about the refugee situation, which is understandable given all the changes in our community. But through my involvement with GenRosso and now as a trainer, I’ve been able to bring some of that world into our home. My parents have seen firsthand the positive impact these workshops have on everyone involved. They’ve heard the stories, seen the joy, and understood the struggles of the participants. This personal touch has changed their viewpoint — the participants aren’t just ‘migrants’ to us anymore; they are ‘people on the move,’ with hopes, dreams, and the desire for a sense of belonging. It’s been heartwarming to see my parents welcome this understanding into their hearts and our home.”
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JRS: “Ajdin, having been part of the initial GenRosso workshops, how did you find the experience of transferring what you learned to others?”
Ajdin: “It was a journey full of excitement and a bit of responsibility, too. Being trained by GenRosso was a nice experience for me – they embody a spirit of creativity and togetherness. Sharing what I learned with others felt like I was spreading that spirit. I taught the songs and dance moves, but what I was really passing on was a message of hope and community.”
JRS: “There seems to be a lot of gratitude expressed for the participation of both locals and refugees. Could you tell us more about that?”
Ajdin: “Yes, absolutely. Seeing people come together to learn and share in this workshop has been one of my proudest moments. We have people from all walks of life in one room, finding common ground through music. It’s a powerful testament to what we can accomplish when we come together. The gratitude is mutual – we’re thankful for every single person who showed up, ready to learn and connect.”
To learn more about the project, explore our website: https://www.new-humanity.org/project/heartmony/